Patents Issued in April 10, 2018
  • Patent number: 9938001
    Abstract: A passive control system can be implemented that converts an active control system on a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to a passive control system. In the event that a system health of an active control system on the UAV is compromised, or in other instances, a passive control mechanism can be deployed to restore at least some in-flight stability. In various examples, the passive control system can monitor UAV attitude, velocity, and position to determine an active control system health. In other examples, the passive control system may receive an indication from the active control system itself. In some examples, the passive control mechanisms may include increasing an offset of a center of thrust and the center of gravity of the UAV. In other examples, the passive control mechanisms may include deploying control surfaces that induce a drag force that impedes translational and rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gershon Parent, Paul Viola
  • Patent number: 9938002
    Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing transport plane is characterized in that a structure formed in the top-bottom direction of an airframe penetrates a rear structure of the vertical takeoff and landing transport plane in order to let a tailwind escape, and characterized by comprising, in the rear structure of the vertical takeoff and landing transport plane, a device for generating thrust rearward behind the rear on the top side of the airframe from the bottom of the airframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Hiromichi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 9938003
    Abstract: A multipart torque bar is provided. Multipart torque bar may include an outer torque bar body, an inner torque bar body, a mounting hole, and a connecting end. Outer torque bar body may include a groove, wherein the inner torque bar body may removably insert within the groove. Multipart torque bars of the present disclosure can exhibit improved characteristics, such as improved vibration damping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Todd Rook
  • Patent number: 9938004
    Abstract: A transmission includes a first pericyclic motion converter having a first aperture to receive at least a portion of an output shaft and a second pericyclic motion converter having a second aperture to receive at least a portion of the output shaft. A first bearing is positioned between an inner surface of the first pericyclic motion converter defined by the first aperture and an outer surface of the output shaft. A second bearing is positioned between an inner surface of the second pericyclic motion converter defined by the second aperture and the outer surface of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Robuck, Eric Kaiser
  • Patent number: 9938005
    Abstract: A rotor-based remote flying vehicle platform comprises a central frame with a control center that is configured to control motors mounted to the vehicle platform. A first arm is connected to the central frame and extends outward. A first motor is mounted to the first arm. The first motor is in communication with the control center. Further, a first tilt actuator is configured to tilt the first motor within a first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: TEAL DRONES, INC.
    Inventor: George Michael Matus
  • Patent number: 9938006
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present application, an actuation system is configured for actuation of an airfoil member with a flap mechanism. The actuation system can include an upper drive tape and a lower drive tape, each partially wrapped around a first bearing and second bearing. An inboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. Similarly, an outboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. The inboard frame is coupled to the upper drive tape, while the outboard frame is coupled to the lower drive tape. An actuation of the inboard frame and outboard frame in a reciprocal manner acts move a flap input lever reciprocally upward and downward. A flap mechanism is configured to convert the movement of the flap input lever into rotational movements of the airfoil member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Troy C. Schank, Peter H. Kintzinger, Jonathan A. Knoll, Christopher E. Foskey
  • Patent number: 9938007
    Abstract: This invention discloses a flapping wing with multi film sheets listed on a net frame, wherein a fuselage is disposed on the flapping wing, transmissions are installed on both sides of the fuselage, a frame is installed on a side of each transmission, the frame is composed of supports and a fine net structure, one side edge of each film sheet is fixed on the fine net structure, and the other side edge of the film sheet can move freely; one end of a limit thread is connected with the fine net structure, while the other end of the limit thread is connected with the movable side edge of the film sheet. All the film sheets are arranged on the same side of the fine net structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Wangqiang Jiang
  • Patent number: 9938008
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for providing reliable control of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A system for providing reliable control of the UAV can include a computing device that can execute reliable and unreliable programs. The unreliable programs can be isolated from the reliable programs by virtue of executing one or more of the programs in a virtual machine client. The UAV can initiate a recovery action when one or more of the unreliable programs fail. The recovery action can be performed without input from one or more of the unreliable programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Kespry Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Stuart Stabler, Robert Parker Clark, Nathaniel Hall-Snyder, Paul Doersch
  • Patent number: 9938009
    Abstract: A radio controlled model rotorcraft implemented with features improving ease of flight and flight performance by increasing structural stability, increasing rotorcraft visibility and orientation awareness through the use of multifunctioning, configurable, and aesthetically pleasing components, while also increasing resistance to damage from crashes through use of impact and vibration absorbing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: TRAXXAS LP
    Inventors: Casey Christen Jens Christensen, Otto Karl Allmendinger, Richard Douglas Hohnholt, Kent Poteet, Scott Rollin Michael Schmitz, Thomas Blackwell
  • Patent number: 9938010
    Abstract: An electronic human machine interface (HMI) module is configured to receive at least one input from an operator of a manually-operated vehicle. The electronic HMI module includes an electronic graphical display unit and an electronic control module. The electronic graphical display unit is configured to display information corresponding to the manually-operated vehicle and information corresponding to an autonomously operated unmanned vehicle (UV) located remotely from the manually-operated vehicle. The electronic control module is in signal communication with the UV and is configured to receive an electronic image signal from the UV. The electronic control module is further configured to display a real-time image captured by the UV on the electronic graphical display unit based on the image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Margaret MacIsaac Lampazzi, Thomas Guido, Gary Howland, Luca F. Bertuccelli, Robert Pupalaikis
  • Patent number: 9938011
    Abstract: A method of harvesting and managing energy from air currents, by small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) having a plurality of powered and unpowered rotors, to increase the aircraft's flight time, especially where the mission requires extensive hovering and loitering, is provided. Conventional powered rotors create lift for the aircraft. Unpowered rotors can either be: 1) Free-wheeling rotors which increase the plan form area of aircraft as they rotate, increasing lift, and reducing the power draw on the battery, and/or 2) Rotors connected to micro-generators, which serve as a brake on the unpowered rotors, create electrical power to charge the aircraft batteries or directly power the aircraft's electronics. The invention's folding rotor arm design results in a compact package that is easily transported by a single user (man portable). The aircraft can be removed from its protective tube, unfolded and launched for flight in less than a minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Scott B. Rollefstad, John P. Waszczak
  • Patent number: 9938012
    Abstract: An article organizer includes three interconnected panels which are foldable relative to each other from a flat position to an assembled position. One panel is a base panel that can be attached to a window frame of an airline cabin window. A second panel is a support panel that extends outwardly from the base panel, transversely thereto and has openings into which articles may be placed. The third panel is a brace panel that extends at an angle to the base and support panels and which gives the organizer an overall triangular shape. The openings in the support panel may be configured to receive articles of different configurations, and at least the base panel may also include structure that engages a portion of the tray table of an airliner passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Michael C. Kollias
  • Patent number: 9938013
    Abstract: In a wall element for an interior of a vehicle, having a wall area to be illuminated and having an illuminating device which is used to illuminate the wall area, the illuminating device contains a plurality of lighting modules, wherein each of the lighting modules contains a multiplicity of light sources, wherein the lighting module extends straight along a central longitudinal axis and, in the direction of the central longitudinal axis, is placed against identical lighting modules without gaps at the ends, wherein the lighting module in operation has a cone of light which, by using a predefined area that is to be illuminated, extends away from the lighting module and the relative position (R) of which in relation to the lighting module is predefined, is configured in such a way that, on the part of the area that is illuminated by the cone of light, the result is a strip of light extending laterally transversely away from the lighting module, which extends at least over the entire length (L) of the lighting m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: DIEHL AEROSPACE GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Fehringer, Martin Richter
  • Patent number: 9938014
    Abstract: A video display unit cassette assembly includes a cassette frame, a display coupled to the cassette frame, one or more electronic components between the cassette frame and the display, and a delethalization cover coupled to the display. The one or more electronic components receive data content from a network and generate video signals provided to the display. The cassette assembly is sized and configured to be releasably mounted in an installed position in a mounting structure defined in a seatback of a vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: THALES AVIONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Everhart, Lori Elizabeth Salazar, John Howard Darvell
  • Patent number: 9938015
    Abstract: An aircraft lounge assembly that includes an enclosure having a rear wall, first and second side walls and a forward wall that cooperate to define a seating area. The lounge assembly also includes first and second seats positioned in the seating area, and a first dividing wall positioned between the first and second seats. The first dividing wall divides the seating area into a first seat section and a second seat section. The front wall includes a shared entrance space defined therein. A first seat path is defined between the shared entrance space and the first seat section and a second seat path is defined between the shared entrance space and the second seat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: C&D ZODIAC, INC.
    Inventor: Scott Savian
  • Patent number: 9938016
    Abstract: A supporting device for an interior layout assembly of an aircraft cabin, a related assembly and method are provided. The device includes a stationary frame; a table that can be deployed relative to the frame between a retracted position and a horizontal deployed position; a mechanism for guiding the movement of the table relative to the frame between the retracted position and the deployed horizontal position. The guide mechanism defines at least one bearing point for the table during its passage from the retracted position to the deployed horizontal position, the bearing point having a globally invariable position relative to the frame, the table being configured to pivot on the bearing point while moving laterally away relative to the bearing point, by sliding on the bearing point, to the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: DASSAULT AVIATION
    Inventor: Nicolas Hance
  • Patent number: 9938017
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing engine performance based on atmospheric rain conditions are provided. For example, a method can include selecting one or more points along a flight path of an aircraft and receiving a radar reflectivity measurement for each of the one or more points obtained using a radar device located on the aircraft. The method can further include determining an estimate of liquid water content for each of the one or more points based at least in part on the radar reflectivity measurements; and controlling at least one component of the aircraft engine (e.g., a variable stator vane) based at least in part on the estimate of liquid water content for at least one of the plurality of points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Visser, Sridhar Adibhatla, David Michael Lax
  • Patent number: 9938018
    Abstract: Despite pilot training and current safety systems, aircraft accidents continue to occur. It is recognized herein that existing approaches to preventing aircraft accidents lack capabilities. A predictive aircraft recovery control unit can receive flight data from the plurality of data nodes. The flight data can be indicative of at least a speed of the aircraft and a position of the aircraft. In some cases, based on the flight data, the predictive aircraft recovery control unit can determine that the aircraft will enter a stall condition. Furthermore, based on the flight data, the predictive aircraft recovery control unit can determine a time period that will elapse before the aircraft enters the stall condition. In response to determining that the aircraft will enter the stall condition after the time period elapses, the predictive aircraft recovery control until can trigger a recovery sequence before the aircraft enters the stall condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Aviation Safety Advancements, Inc.
    Inventors: David Patrick Welsh, Joseph Tobias Kujawski
  • Patent number: 9938019
    Abstract: A network system of an aircraft implements a target system to attract, detect, log, and mitigate a potential breach by the malicious entities. The target system simulates the systems of the aircraft in order to attract a potential breach. The target system simulates the data, file structure, communications, etc., of the systems of the aircraft. The target system includes little, or no security or access controls in order to attract a potential breach and allow the malicious entity to gain access. Once a breach occurs, the target system can be configured to log, report, and/or mitigate the potential breach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David H. Floyd, Jason W. Shelton, John E. Bush
  • Patent number: 9938020
    Abstract: A tail dock anti-collision system for augmenting positioning of an aircraft in a maintenance facility which comprises lateral alignment sensors disposed on opposing sides of the aircraft and a backup tracking sensor directed toward the tail section. A processor, for example a programmable logic controller, is coupled to, and operatively controls, the sensors to provide an indication to a principal guide of the aircraft docking procedure of the relative position of the aircraft with respect to a centerline and platform of the maintenance facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Laser Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Clifford, Neil T. Heeke
  • Patent number: 9938021
    Abstract: A launch canister for ejection from a submerged launch platform, the launch canister being adapted for ejection in a direction substantially along a first axis of the launch canister and comprising: an enclosure for carrying a UAV; a nose cap releasably located in a launch opening at a forward end of the launch canister; a launch mechanism for driving a UAV carried in the enclosure out of the launch canister through the launch opening in a direction substantially along said first axis; and a water surface sensor for detecting when the nose cap of the canister broaches the surface of the water; wherein the launch canister is configured to, on the water surface sensor detecting that the nose cap of the canister has broached the surface of the water, immediately release the nose cap and initiate the launch mechanism to drive a UAV carried in the enclosure out of the launch canister through the launch opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas William Smoker
  • Patent number: 9938022
    Abstract: A nozzle adapter for coupling a fueling nozzle to an underwing type servicing adapter having a radially outward extending tab and a notch formed in an open end thereof comprises an outer body including a neck portion having a first conduit formed therein and a substantially cylindrical cap portion, the cap portion including at least one slot formed therein. An inner body has a second conduit formed therein and is disposed within the cap portion of the outer body and an annular channel is formed between the cap portion and the inner body. The at least one tab is received in the at least one slot and a rotation of the nozzle adapter relative to the servicing adapter causes a first aperture configured to receive a locking device therein to be aligned with the at least one notch of the servicing adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: GAMMON TECHNICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: James H. Gammon
  • Patent number: 9938023
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage devices for a 6U CubeSat with a magnetometer boom. The example 6U CubeSat can include an on-board computing device connected to an electrical power system, wherein the electrical power system receives power from at least one of a battery and at least one solar panel, a first fluxgate sensor attached to an extendable boom, a release mechanism for extending the extendable boom, at least one second fluxgate sensor fixed within the satellite, an ion neutral mass spectrometer, and a relativistic electron/proton telescope. The on-board computing device can receive data from the first fluxgate sensor, the at least one second fluxgate sensor, the ion neutral mass spectrometer, and the relativistic electron/proton telescope via the bus, and can then process the data via an algorithm to deduce a geophysical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Charles E. Clagett, Luis H. Santos Soto, Scott V. Hesh, Scott R. Starin, Salman I. Sheikh, Michael Hesse, Nikolaos Paschalidis, Michael A. Johnson, Aprille J. Ericsson
  • Patent number: 9938024
    Abstract: An object redirection system may generate a high-resolution three-dimensional map of a surface of a target. Based on the map, the system may identify locations on the target's surface and direct energetic pulses toward the target at the locations. The system may continuously update the map of the target and continue emitting pulses at the target with reference to the map in order to achieve a desired velocity of the target within a desired timeframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in Huntsville
    Inventor: Richard Fork
  • Patent number: 9938025
    Abstract: A device for mounting and supporting a generally cylindrical or tapered tank, having a main axis X, that includes a pair of first retaining rods for retaining the tank along a vertical axis Z on each of a first and second end of the tank, a second retaining rod for retaining the tank along a horizontal axis Y, perpendicular to the main axis, on the first end of the tank, and a third retaining rod for retaining in a ball-and-socket joint, the means being located around the vertical axis and connected to the second end of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS
    Inventors: Benjamin Faure, Jérôme Bertrand, Yohann Coraboeuf, Samuel Chevrollier, Robert Abadie-La-Haille, Pascal Mezieres, Angélique Santerre
  • Patent number: 9938026
    Abstract: A spacecraft is propelled by a high energy beam propulsion device that emits a high energy beam, such as a neutron beam, from the spacecraft. The high energy beam propulsion device has a neutron beam source and a neutron beam generator that emits the neutron beam through a magnetic coil. The magnetic coil may be a discrete coil or extend over a length of the neutron beam length. The magnetic coil may be self-contained and utilize natural magnets or may be a powered magnet, wherein the magnetic field is produced by a flow of electrical current. The neutron source may be powered or self-contained and utilizes neutron emitting materials including Californium-252, Cesium-137, and Polonium-Beryllium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Michelle Corning
  • Patent number: 9938027
    Abstract: Methods of accelerating a target vehicle to a higher orbit via a Kinetic Energy Storage and Transfer (KEST) vehicle are provided. The KEST vehicle is configured to transfer kinetic energy to the target vehicle by way of a catching mechanism using one or more brakes on one or more associated tethers along which the braking mechanism traverses, accelerating the target vehicle into a higher orbit, potentially even beyond the Earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Alan Hickman
  • Patent number: 9938028
    Abstract: A stretch packaging machine is provided with a lift mechanism and a tray movement mechanism. The lift mechanism has a plurality of loading members on which a tray is loaded and which lift up the tray toward film such that the tray contacts the film sealing an opening at the top of the tray. The tray movement mechanism is configured to move the tray slidingly over the loading members of the lift mechanism to a predetermined position on the loading members. A frictional coefficient of at least first loading members is such that contact between the tray and the loading members disposed on the near side in the moving direction in which the tray is moved by the tray movement mechanism is smaller than the frictional coefficient of second loading members disposed on the far side in the moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuo Koyama
  • Patent number: 9938029
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mobile strapping device for strapping packaged products using a loop of wrapping strap. The strapping device includes a tensioning device for applying tension to the strap and a connecting device for connecting two overlapping portions of the strap. The tensioning device includes a rotatable tensioning wheel and a tensioning plate. The tensioning wheel is supported by a rocker that is pivotable to change a distance separating the tensioning wheel and the tensioning plate. The mobile strapping device includes a motor that is operably connectable to the rocker or the tensioning wheel such that the motor causes pivoting of the rocker or rotation of the tensioning wheel when operating in a first direction of rotation. In various embodiments, gearing, including a plurality of planetary gear sets, is used to operatively connect the motor to the rocker and the tensioning wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLC
    Inventors: Flavio Finzo, Mirco Neeser, Dimitrios Takidis
  • Patent number: 9938030
    Abstract: A method of transporting saponified ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer pellets by using a hermetic container including a pressurizing means for applying pressure to the interior of the container, and a transport means for transporting the hermetic container. The method comprises the steps of: inserting the saponified ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer pellets into the hermetic container to close the hermetic container; and maintaining the interior of the hermetic container in a state of higher pressure than the ambient atmosphere by using the pressurizing means while the hermetic container is transported to a destination by using the transport means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: THE NIPPON SYNTHETIC CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Beniya, Shinta Miyazumi
  • Patent number: 9938031
    Abstract: A method of processing a plurality of articles through a processing section of a packaging machine includes guiding a plurality of articles supported on a support tray blank onto at least one additional conveyor extending about and riding on a conveyor, folding at least one of a leading edge flap and trailing edge flap of the support tray blank with at least one tray folding member provided on the at least one additional conveyor to form a portion of a support tray, and shifting the support tray along the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: STANDARD KNAPP INC.
    Inventors: David J. Shurtleff, Patrick Lee Nelson, David A. Kardok
  • Patent number: 9938032
    Abstract: An ultrasonic module for use in package sealing systems that includes a moveable front jaw; an elognated sonotrode disposed within the front jaw, wherein the sonotrode includes an elongated sealing face, and wherein the width of the sealing face is at least 12 inches (30.48 cm); a moveable rear jaw; and an anvil mounted on the rear jaw opposite the sonotrode, wherein the anvil mechanically cooperates with the sonotrode to seal a package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitch Matheny, Alexander B. Channell, Sean T. Flowers
  • Patent number: 9938033
    Abstract: A sonotrode that includes a sealing face; a front quarter wavelength region adjacent to the sealing face, wherein the front quarter wavelength region has been modified to increase the gain of the sonotrode; and a rear quarter wavelength region adjacent to the front quarter wavelength region, wherein the rear quarter wavelength region has been modified to create a non-uniform amplitude profile across the length of the sealing face of the sonotrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitch Matheny
  • Patent number: 9938034
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for exchanging tools and/or tool assemblies used to form different types of molds for in injection-molding machines, are described. The exchange of tools and/or tool assemblies is made using a robot. Contact lens mold halves and assemblies for molding contact lenses of different powers or types can be made with a single injection-molding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: CooperVision International Holding Company, LP
    Inventors: Hayden Atkinson, John Robert Gibson, Terence Michael Cook, James Bryan Cook, Justin Daniel Nardone, Houston Paul Tankersley, James Robert Craig
  • Patent number: 9938035
    Abstract: A carton for holding containers can be converted from a first configuration for storing and shipping the containers therein to a second configuration in which the carton forms an open-top cooler for chilling and serving the containers. A beverage container cooling carton is dimensioned for increased ice surface contact with the outer surfaces of a number of the beverage containers such that heat transfer between the ice and beverage containers occurs efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: The C.W. Zumbiel Company
    Inventor: Steven J. Block
  • Patent number: 9938036
    Abstract: A clamshell container having an anti-bind feature is provided. The container is comprised of a tray and a cover, each having a first panel and rear panel foldably connected along a rear fold line. One or both of the rear fold lines may be interrupted by a cut suitable for allowing the rear panels to flex or bow when the cover is hingedly rotated relative to the tray. A rear cut may be provided generally coextensive with each of the fold lines. The cuts can have an arcuate shape and may be convexly curved toward an interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: HUHTAMAKI, INC.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9938037
    Abstract: A package for containing items having a flip-open package closure is provided. In some embodiments, the package includes a rigid package body and a flexible closure flap. The flexible closure flap is coupled to a hangtab portion of the package body such that the flexible closure flap moves from a closed position to an open position with respect to the package body based on a position of the hangtab portion. An upper edge of a front side of the package body engages the lower portion of the closure flap when the package is closed, while the lower edge of the closure flap is released from the upper edge upon pivoting backward of the hangtab portion. Such pivoting of the hangtab portion, and corresponding manipulation of the closure flap, may occur without directly contacting the closure flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Crayola, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard J. Kocon, Francisco Rivera
  • Patent number: 9938038
    Abstract: A shipping and display container includes, for example, a first tray element and a second tray element, each tray element having a tray element bottom panel and a tray element back panel, a bridge element disposed between the first and second tray elements, the bridge element having a first center panel and a second center panel. The first and second center panels are accordion-foldable between a first position confronting one another and a second position extending in a common plane. The shipping and display container further includes a cover element for covering a space between the first and second tray elements. The first tray element, the second tray element, the bridge element and the cover element are interconnected as a single unit, and no adhesive materials are required for assembling the container, and wherein all of the elements are integrally formed in a single blank or sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventors: Mike Pfeifer, James L. Einstein
  • Patent number: 9938039
    Abstract: A box includes a front receiving panel, a bottom surface panel, a rear surface panel, a top surface panel, and a front surface panel that are integrally connected one to another. Each pair of bottom side panels, rear side panels, top side panels, and front side panels are integrally connected to the respective sides of each of the bottom, rear, top, and front surface panels. The front receiving panel, the bottom and rear surface panels, and the bottom and rear side panels constitute a tray portion of the box, with the remaining panels constituting a lid portion of the box. A cut line for separating the lid portion from the tray portion is formed to pass through one or both of the rear surface panel and the top surface panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Rengo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Nishikawa, Atsuo Ishikawa, Takafumi Makiuchi, Akira Nagaosa, Masayuki Handa, Masanori Yoshida, Hiroyuki Noguchi, Hiromu Ikeda, Kazuyuki Ishii, Hironori Sugita, Tatsuya Fujibayashi
  • Patent number: 9938040
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a container includes a front panel, a top panel, a rear panel, and a bottom panel coupled together in series by a plurality of generally parallel fold lines. The blank also includes a pair of front side panels extending from opposing side edges of the front panel, a pair of top side panels coupled to opposing side edges of the top panel, and a pair of bottom side panels coupled to opposing side edges of the bottom panel. A side tab extends from each bottom side panel along a tab perforation line. Each side tab is configured to couple to one of the front side panels in a face-to-face relationship. A face of each of the top panel, the bottom panel, the pair of top side panels, and the pair of bottom side panels is devoid of perforation lines extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Craig W. Buscema
  • Patent number: 9938041
    Abstract: A combined box and resealable bag includes a paperboard box having a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of opposed side walls and a plurality of flaps capable of forming a bottom wall. The box walls have upper ends and lower ends, inside surfaces and outside surfaces. The upper end of each of the box walls is folded outwardly and downwardly so that the inside surface of each of the upper ends forms a strip that faces outwardly. The inside surfaces of the box walls, including the outwardly facing strips, have a thermal plastic coating thereon. The combination also includes a bag made of flexible plastic material having a zippered top and downwardly extending front and rear bag walls. While the box is still in its flat blank condition, the lower edge portion of the bag walls are heat sealed to the outwardly facing strips on the box blank. Thereafter, the front, rear and side walls of the box blank are expanded to form a box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ZIPBOX LICENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Belko, Neil J. Kozarsky, Eliot M. Kozarsky
  • Patent number: 9938042
    Abstract: The invention involves a childproof box that suitable for medicinal items such as tablets, medication or other consumables that may be desirably restricted from children. The childproof mechanism that restricts access to the contents of the box may employ a base shell that slides in and out of a cover shell, which respectively conceals and exposes a storage cavity. Both shells have corresponding tracks and corresponding protrusions configured to engage with each other in a manner so that the base shell may only be accessed (or slid open) when a user presses and pushes on a top surface of the cover shell. The structural elements of each of the shells are such that a user may operate the childproof box with a single hand. In exemplary embodiments, the childproof box comprises of flat surfaces that form a generally rectangular box, which is easy to carry, manipulate and store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: David Aryanpanah, Brian Anav
  • Patent number: 9938043
    Abstract: An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a score fracture force reduction feature. Thus, less force is required by a user to fracture the score and open the opening in the end closure. In one embodiment, the score fracture force reduction feature is a collapsible form raised above the center panel and having a score line and a coined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Howard C. Chasteen, Anthony J. Scott, Mark A. Jacober
  • Patent number: 9938044
    Abstract: A box which is expandable vertically and horizontally is disclosed. The box can be expanded both vertically and horizontally simultaneously, or in only one of these directions. This is accomplished by pulling/pushing opposite sides further/closer to each other. Rails which at least partially extend between respective opposite sides allow such an expansion/or contraction, the rails, in embodiments, having a pin of one section of the box held within a slot of an adjacent section of the box. The box, in embodiments, is made up of four separate pieces, each being one quadrant (top & left, top & right, bottom & left, bottom & right) of the box. Such a box can be expanded/collapsed to fit within a window and hold an air conditioner there-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Jose Gamboa
  • Patent number: 9938045
    Abstract: A waste-disposal device for use with a bag unit of the type having an annular component from which a free end of tube extends to form a bag. The waste-disposal device comprises a bin having an open top end for accessing an inner cavity of the bin. A support is in the bin adjacent to the open top end and adapted to support the annular component of the bag unit for waste to be received in the bag of the bag unit extending in the inner cavity of the bin, by passing through a central opening thereof. A closing mechanism comprises a door pivotally connected to the support by at least one pivot and an abutment surface in the bin, a pivot axis of the at least one pivot being located at a same height or higher than a bottommost edge of the annular component of the bag unit when received in the support and when the bin has a bottom thereof on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL REFILLS COMPANY LTD
    Inventor: Michel Morand
  • Patent number: 9938046
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet-material packaging bag which has a first side gusset (3) and a second side gusset (4), which are positioned between a front surface (1) and a rear surface (2), a top sealing seam (6) and at least one longitudinal sealing seam (5), wherein a reclosure device is arranged on the inner bag surface, beneath the top sealing seam (6), in the region of the first side gusset (3), and wherein the first side gusset (3) forms a reclosable pouring means when a bag portion (8) above the reclosure device is opened in order for contents to be removed. According to the invention, a carrying handle (14) is arranged on the second side gusset (4) and, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the second side gusset (4), is provided in the center or in an off-center manner in relation to the base (15) of the sheet-material packaging bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: NORDENIA DEUTSCHLAND HALLE GMBH
    Inventor: Marcus Kujat
  • Patent number: 9938047
    Abstract: Provided herein are storage bags having an opening to an interior thereof formed by pliable front and back panels each comprising outwardly curved upper portions and rectangular lower portions having first and second straight side edges, straight bottom edges and outwardly curved top edges that are sealed together along respective side and bottom edges and means for sealing and opening the bag. The storage bag may comprise first and second seamed edges that are equal in length with the outwardly curved top edges extending therefrom. Alternatively, the storage bag may comprise a first seamed edge that is shorter than the second seamed edge with the outwardly curved top edges extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Esther Khawaja Batarseh
  • Patent number: 9938048
    Abstract: The container closure (1) consists of a spout (2) intended to be connected to a container and of a cap (3) that closes the spout. The latter is provided with two wings (6). From a sealing closed position, the cap (3) is movable by a twisting movement of less than 180 degrees to a released position in which it can be withdrawn from the spout (2). Stop means arranged on the spout (2) and on the cap (3) define the closed position. In addition, a locking member (11) may be provided in the cap (3) which only allows opening the latter after the rupture of a predetermined breaking point (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: CELLPACK AG
    Inventor: Martin Kropf
  • Patent number: 9938049
    Abstract: A metal cap has an outer surface with a coating film including a coating composition containing thermally expandable hollow particles in a paint, the curing initiation temperature TA (° C.) of the paint, expressed as a temperature where an attenuation rate by a rigid pendulum viscoelasticity test reaches an inflection point, satisfies TA?Ta+25 Ta being the expansion initiation temperature (° C.) of the thermally expandable hollow particles, and the maximum curing temperature TB (° C.) of the paint, expressed as a temperature where the attenuation rate by the rigid pendulum viscoelasticity test reaches a peak, satisfies Tb?10?TB?Tb+10 Tb being the maximum expansion temperature (° C.) of the thermally expandable hollow particles. Because of these features, a metal cap is excellent in grip and openability even when dew condensation occurs, and is also excellent in scratch resistance, is provided with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON CLOSURES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sei Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 9938050
    Abstract: A container assembly including a pouch, spout and closure is provided. The closure includes a tamper-evident band having two or more wall sections. Adjacent wall sections of the tamper band may be connected to one another with frangible connectors configured to break upon twist-off of the closure from the spout. The closure also includes one or more support walls supported between an outer wall and central wall of the closure. The closure further includes one or more hinges attaching the ends of the wall sections of the tamper band to the lower ends of the support walls. The hinges are configured to increase the resistance required to break or otherwise distort the frangible connections of the tamper-evident band, so as to prevent or lower the risk of accidental or inadvertent breakage of the tamper-evident band prior to twist-off of the closure from the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Silgan White Cap LLC
    Inventor: Gary L. Berge